Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Anja Lehmann hails from Germany, but this set of songs is beautifully sung in English. It's difficult though to pin down a particular style. The opening number, appropriately entitled "First And Foremost", is pure R&B with some great backing and a powerful vocal performance by Fraulein Lehmann. That's followed by "Wonderful", which is really a funk track, a thumping bassline pumping out throughout and some great sax breaks. Then there are more reflective numbers - "Still Greater" features Brian Doerksen - and another that is a lilting Celtic version of "Oh The Cross", with wonderful vocal harmonies. "B As In Beautiful" is a catchy pop number and "Cry For Justice" carries a powerful message, reinforced by the emotion of the singer. There are 15 tracks here (including four unnecessary "Interludes" - but that's a very minor gripe) and all of them are different, the only unifying factors being the wonderfully flexible voice of the singer and the excellence of the arrangements. Lehmann's website is in German (never my strong point), so I've yet to discover more about this great singer and her musicians. The fact that I want to shows that 'Beautiful' is a fine album.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.